Public Informational Meeting Concerning Proposed Improvements at the U.S. Route 1 and Route 53 (East Avenue) intersection in Norwalk

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a Public Informational Meeting concerning the proposed improvements at the Route 1 (North Avenue/Westport Avenue) and Route 53 (East Avenue) intersection on Thursday, February 6, 2014 (Snow Date: February 13, 2014) in Room 101 of the Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut. An open forum for individual discussions with Department officials will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a formal presentation at 7:00 p.m.

The project is identified as State Project No. 102-325.

The purpose of the project is to provide safety and traffic operational improvements by adding an exclusive eastbound left-turn lane on Route 1 at its intersection with Route 53.Route 1 is comprised of two lanes in the eastbound direction throughout the project area, but the left travel lane turns into a left-turn lane at the intersection.This lane arrangement forces through-traffic to unexpectedly merge right, into one lane, on the eastbound approach causing a bottleneck situation.

Route 1 will be widened along the northern edge to realign the exclusive left-turn lane and allow the eastbound two lane traffic approaching the intersection to continue through without having to merge into one lane.Widening on the northern side will avoid historical impacts to the cemetery located on the southwest quadrant of the intersection.Minor widening at the corners of Route 53 will also accommodate radius improvements.

The overall improvement will impact the existing overhead utilities along the northern side of Route 1.Sliver acquisitions are anticipated on three properties to provide for the roadway widening and radius improvements.In addition, two defined traffic easements are required for reconstruction of wheelchair ramps and a right to construct a driveway and reset the guiderailing.Minor drainage adjustments will be required to move to the new curb-line locations.It is anticipated that one retaining wall will be needed for the proposed improvements, at the northeast corner of the intersection.

Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2016 based on the availability of funding.The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $1.2 million.This project is anticipated to be undertaken with 80% Federal funds and 20% State funds.

The public informational meeting is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow open discussion of any views and comments the community may have concerning this proposed project.

The meeting facility is ADA accessible.Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Departmentís Office of Communications (Voice only) at (860) 594-3062 at least five working days prior to the meeting.Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public, and efforts will be made to respond to requests for assistance.

Plans of the proposed project will be on display for public review.Department personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss this project.More detailed information is available at the Departmentís Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.Anyone wishing to discuss the project may contact Mr. Timothy M. Wilson at (860) 594-3189 or by e-mail at Timothy.Wilson@ct.gov. Plans are also available for review at the Norwalk City Hall.